BMI Awards Tonight, CMA Awards Tomorrow

BMI Icon Billy Sherrill

CMA Awards week continues for Music Row revelers. It’s only Tuesday and Bobby Karl has already put in a week’s worth of party-going, check out his column about last night’s SESAC Awards, and other events.

••Many members of the industry are gearing up for tonight’s (11/9) BMI Country Awards. Billy Sherrill will be honored as a BMI Icon at the 58th annual event. To mark the occasion, today’s Wall Street Journal takes a look at the revered music man. The black-tie, invitation-only gala dinner will celebrate the songwriters of the past year’s most-performed country songs from the extensive BMI catalog. Honors will also be handed out for Country Songwriter of the Year, Country Publisher of the Year and Most Performed Country Song of the Year. For those on the guest list: cocktails at 6 PM, dinner at 7 PM.

••Tomorrow night’s (11/10) CMA Awards will be a sold-out show for the second consecutive year. “The 44th Annual CMA Awards,” hosted by Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood, airs live from the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Wednesday, Nov. 10 (8:00-11:00 PM/ET) on ABC. For those going to the event, expect traffic adjustments, see details here.

Keith Urban tweeted this picture of yesterday's CMA Awards rehearsal, where he is performing with show co-hosts Carrie Underwood and Brad Paisley.

Exclusive Online Performances, Including Aldean Tonight

Jason Aldean on Soundcheck.

Jason Aldean, Toby Keith, and LeAnn Rimes are offering exclusive content around the web, as more and more fans flock there for music. As reported yesterday, CMAawards.com will have lots of streaming action, live from tomorrow night’s (11/10) show.

••CMT.com will stream Jason Aldean’s private concert tonight (11/9), live from the Hard Rock Café in Nashville beginning at 8:00 p.m., ET. A pre-party live stream will begin at 6:45 p.m., ET with performances from newcomers Ash Bowers, Crossing Dixon, Thompson Square, James Wesley and Blake Wise. Aldean has also taped a WalMart Soundcheck performance, live from the Chicago House of Blues.

••LeAnn Rimes is debuting her upbeat, tongue-in-cheek song “Crazy Women” on People.com. It hit radio yesterday and will appear on her new album, Lady and Gentlemen, due early next year.

••AOL has premiered a live session with Toby Keith. The series of videos includes a performance of the title track from his new album Bullets in the Gun.

Swift, Cyrus Among Top Earning Females

Forbes’ new ranking of Hollywood’s Highest Earning Women includes Taylor Swift and Miley Cyrus.

Swift comes in at No. 9 on the list with estimated earnings of $45 million. Like most entertainers who scored a slot, a significant chunk of her income came from touring and endorsement deals. According to the magazine, she grossed $54 million on tour, and also raked in dough from album sales, downloads, performance royalties, and endorsement deals with Sony and CoverGirl.

Many of the celebs on the list are musicians, and having global appeal helped boost their respective bottom lines.

Cyrus is No. 8 on the list with about $48 million in earnings.

Oprah Winfrey remains queen bee at the top of the ranking. Her $315 million out-earned everyone else in entertainment—male or female.

Forbes asked agents, managers, producers and lawyers for information for the chart, which is based on income between June 1, 2009, and June 1, 2010.

Bobby Karl Works SESAC Awards and CMA Week Events

Chapter 353

Hillary Scott and Tim Fink

Graciousness, warmth, elegance and relaxed conviviality—these are the things we associate with SESAC’s annual awards banquet.

This year, the smallest of the performing rights organizations has shown more muscle than ever, with pieces of hits by such top stars as Taylor Swift, Lady Antebellum, George Strait and Keith Urban. But its banquet (11/8) retains its “family” feeling.

The cocktail tent was a sea of friendly chatter. Gary Burr greeted Ray Wylie Hubbard, saying, “The last time we saw each other, we were on stage at Radio City singing ‘Happy Birthday’ to Ringo Starr.” And how many of us can say the same? Scott Robinson is all aglow about an upcoming Matraca Berg CD that Dualtone is releasing, which is “twelve years in the making,” he sez. Anna Wilson is pumped about her Countrypolitan Duets album. It has its introduction at the Ryman on Tuesday’s Grand Ole Opry show (11/16).

Mingling and munching on the mini ham & biscuits, turkey panini and yummy veggie roll-ups were Dan Hays, Don Henry, Pete Fisher, Peter Cronin, Peter Cooper, Tim McFadden, Tim Wipperman, David Macias, David Ross, Buddy Cannon, Buddy Miller, Steve Moore, Steve Bogard, Dale Bobo, Bill Mayne, Beth Orton and Blake Chancey.

Looks we liked? Katie Armiger took first place in a stunning, off-the-shoulder, ruffled ebony cocktail dress. Shannan Hatch was a cutie in a sleeveless silver mini dress. Susana Ross chose a cream-colored sheath. Nancy Shapiro was in sequins. Buddy Miller was resplendent in a multi-hued, patterned jacket. Anna Wilson, as always, was an eye-full in a figure-hugging, wine-colored gown with a colorful shoulder wrap.

“What am I, chopped liver?” complained Monty Powell when I complimented Anna. He was a looker, too, wearing a black velvet jacket over a black western shirt with white piping. He was also a trend setter. Clay Myers? Black velvet jacket. Beth Nielsen Chapman? Black velvet jacket. Jim Lauderdale? Embroidered black velvet jacket. Ken Johnson? Navy velvet jacket.

We entered a serene dinner tent erected on SESAC’s front parking lot. The dinner tables were draped with gold cloths. Calla lily and orchid centerpieces glowed with votive candles.

The salad was a mélange of clementines, manchengo, fennel, raspberries and arugula with drizzled vinaigrette. The main course was pistachio encrusted mahi-mahi, filet mignon, risotto, potato puree and honey-thyme infused carrots. Yum. Chocolate and vanilla mousses with whipped cream topped the banana Anglaise dessert spiked by chocolate biscotti as the irresistible finale.

“This year is SESAC’s 80th anniversary,” announced Pat Collins to the applauding crowd. “Eight decades of providing service and dedication. Have a wonderful and entertaining evening: It’s going to be a blast,” he promised.

He was right. Lady Antebellum kicked things off with a thrilling performance of “Need You Now.” “Wow!” said Trevor Gale. “That’s all I can say.” He pointed out that SESAC has had an unprecedented year with successes in urban, Latin and bluegrass musics, not to mention Mumford & Sons. If you have not heard that record yet, go out and get it right now.

Tim Fink praised attendees Mayor Karl Dean and the Opry’s Pete Fisher for their response roles during May’s flooding. Ray Wylie Hubbard took the stage to do the delightful “Drunken Poet’s Dream.” Ray was one of the Americana music winners, as were Lauderdale, Chapman and Jerry Salley.

The Inspiration Award was given to Jim Lauderdale. Buddy Miller saluted him with a performance of “King of Broken Hearts,” then descended from the stage to embrace Jim. “I’m not really sure what this award is for, but, hey, I’m gonna take it,” said Jim. “This room is filled with people who are keeping music alive.”

Country award winners in attendance included Victoria Shaw, Kim Tribble, Brice Long, Blaine Larsen, Cary Barlowe, three-time honoree Monty Powell and Gary Burr. Ben Vaughn, Tom Luteran and other staffers accepted Publisher of the Year honors for EMI Foray.

Lady A’s Hillary Scott was named Songwriter of the Year, thanks to her co-writing “I Run to You,” “Our Kind of Love” and the Song of the Year “Need You Now.” I have a feeling that this is a portent of more statuary to come this week.

Hillary said that affiliating with SESAC, “was the first thing I ever signed that made me feel like a professional. I’m so proud and happy to be part of this incredible organization. I look around this room and see so many writers I want to write with. I’m very, very humbled, and thank you.” She also praised her fellow Lady A members Charles Kelley and Dave Haywood, saying, “You inspire me on a daily basis.”

Parents Lang Scott & Linda Davis clapped and beamed. So did Bob Doyle, Robert Ott, Roger Murrah, Rick Carnes, Ree Guyer Buchanan, Ralph Shultz, Drew Alexander, Dwight Wiles & Diana Johnson, Tinti Moffatt, Terry Wakefield, Tammy Genovese, Tamara Saviano, Al Moss, Alan Kates, Carla Wallace, Hank Adam Locklin, Woody Bomar, John Styll, Dana Strong, Elliot Mazor, Scott Siman, Erika Wollam Nichols and Giles Goddard.

Click For List of SESAC Award Winners

***

Most SESAC attendees were looking at the event as the first of a trio of awards galas this week. We party professionals have already been hard at work. For us, the round of bashes began on Sunday (11/7) with the Music City Walk of Fame inductions of Kris Kristofferson, Mel Tillis, Jimmy Dickens, Rascal Flatts and the late Bobby Hebb and Eddy Arnold. It was a lovely, balmy afternoon.

Joe Don Rooney, Gary LeVox and Jay DeMarcus

Many of the same stars gathered at the Ryman that evening (11/7) for the sold-out, 50th anniversary concert for Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge. In addition to Mel, Jimmy and Kris, I spotted Lorrie Morgan, Randy Houser, The Grascals, Mandy Barnett, Joanna Smith and Tootsie’s owner Steve Smith. Also on the concert bill were Terri Clark, Colt Ford, Mark Chesnutt, Ronnie McDowell and Dean Miller.

(L-R): Tootsie’s owner Steve Smith, co-host Terri Clark and Panama City Tootsie’s co-owner Al Ross. Photo: Ed Rode

***

The next day, we headed back downtown (11/8) for the album-release party for Get Closer by Keith Urban at the Hard Rock Café. But before we officially did that, Mike Dungan gave the star and producer Dann Huff a Platinum Record award for Defying Gravity.

(L-R): Keith Urban; Defying Gravity producer Dann Huff; and Mike Dungan, Capitol Records Nashville Pres./CEO. Photo: Ed Rode

“I cannot put into words what it means to Capitol Records to work with Keith Urban,” said Dungan. “He always represents himself, the industry and humanity at a level that almost makes you want to cry. I cannot think of a better ambassador for us.”

“Thank you everybody for coming in today,” said Urban. “There’s a lot going on, so it’s great to see a club full of people. It feels good to have such a long relationship with Capitol, 13 years and three presidents. I’m very, very proud to be on that label.”

He strapped on his guitar to perform “Put You in a Song” from the new CD and introduced “Without You” from it. He also reached way back to his Ranch days to perform “Walk in the Country.”

Ron Stuve, Ron Huntsman, Donna Hughes, Dan Hill, Darrell Brown, John Huie, Kyle Young, Steve Buchanan, Phyllis Stark, Teresa George, Mary Ann McCready, Lisa Harless, Susan Stewart, Pat Higdon, Autumn House, (the ubiquitous) Jeff Walker, Nicole Kidman, Ansel Davis, and Vernell Hackett applauded. I told Deborah Evans Price that I was the first person to buy her book, The CMA Awards Vault, at the CMA office. And I was. Kay West was also there, on the hunt for a sighting of Jake Gyllenhall.

***

Speaking of movie stars, whose bright idea was it to schedule the premiere of Country Strong at the exact same time as the SESAC banquet? Jimmy Carter, Cindy Watts and a number of other media mavens were working the red carpet in Green Hills (11/8). They were rewarded by appearances by Gwyneth Paltrow, Tim McGraw, Tobey Maguire, Faith Hill, Luke Bryan, Sara Evans, Little Big Town, Jerrod Niemann, Joey + Rory, Kix Brooks, Dierks Bentley, Mark Collie and Steel Magnolia.

***

Ashley Gearing performing at the Aristo Center Stage Party. Photo: izzynashville.com

Oh, one more thing. On that same afternoon at The Stage on Broadway (11/8), the Aristo Center Stage Party was staged. Ty Herndon, Amber Hayes, Ashley Gearing, Daisy Mallory, Rachel Holder and D.J. Miller were booked, with The Country Vibe’s Becca Walls and Chuck Long doing the emcee duties. So don’t come whining to me about three straight nights of awards. The party boy had LOTS of gigs to pay attention to before the rest of you were on the job.

Amber Hayes at the Aristo Center Stage Party. Photo: izzynashville.com

SESAC Salutes Hillary Scott, EMI Foray Music

SESAC executives and top winners (L-R): SESAC’s John Mullins and Shannan Hatch, EMI Foray Music’s Ben Vaughn, SESAC’s Pat Collins, Hillary Scott, and SESAC’s Tim Fink. Photo: Ed Rode

Songwriter of the Year: Hillary Scott
Song of the Year: “Need You Now,” 
Recorded by Lady Antebellum
, Written by: SESAC’s Hillary Scott, with Charles Kelley, Josh Kear, and Dave Haywood. Publisher: Hillary Dawn Songs / EMI Foray Music
SESAC Publisher of the Year: EMI Foray Music
Inspiration Award: Jim Lauderdale

•••

Hillary Scott was named Songwriter of the Year at last night’s (11/8) SESAC Nashville Music Awards. The Lady Antebellum songstress also took home the Song Of The Year trophy for the crossover smash, “Need You Now.” Publisher of the Year honors went to EMI Foray Music.

Among the hits Scott has co-written for Lady Antebellum are “Need You Now,” “Our Kind Of Love” and “Run To You.” SESAC Vice President Tim Fink also awarded Scott with a one-of-a-kind, handcrafted J-145 acoustic Gibson guitar. She and Lady A bandmates Charles Kelley and Dave Haywood performed “Need You Now” for the black-tie crowd assembled at SESAC’s Nashville offices.

SESAC recognized the growing Americana format during the evening’s festivities, handing out awards to such luminaries as Bob Dylan, Jim Lauderdale, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Allison Moorer and The Avett Brothers.

Lauderdale was presented with SESAC’s “Inspiration Award” recognizing his genre-crossing music which has resulted in collaborations with artists as diverse as Elvis Costello, Ralph Stanley and Willie Nelson. Among those who have recorded Lauderdale’s songs are George Strait, Patty Loveless, George Jones, Dixie Chicks and Solomon Burke. Costello and Stanley sent video congratulations to the event, and Buddy Miller paid tribute by singing Lauderdale’s “The King Of Broken Hearts.”

Strait, McEntire and Womack on Tour 2011

George Strait

George Strait, Reba McEntire and Lee Ann Womack have announced 18 tour dates kicking off Jan. 14 in Austin, TX and wrapping April 9 in Louisville, KY. This follows Strait and McEntire’s co-headlining arena tour in 2010.

Strait and McEntire are both nominated for awards at the 44th Annual CMA Awards, taking place this Wednesday (11/10) in Nashville. Strait is up for “Male Vocalist of the Year” award for the 24th time and is also nominated for “Album of the Year” for Twang. Reba is nominated for “Female Vocalist of the Year.”

For more information on the tour and ticket on sale dates, visit www.GeorgeStrait.comwww.Reba.com and www.LeeAnnWomack.com.

Weekend Photos: Tootsie’s Anniversary, Music City Walk of Fame

The Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge 50th Anniversary Celebration took place last night (11/7) at the Ryman Auditorium. Among those on the line-up were Kris Kristofferson, Mel Tillis, Randy Houser, Joanna Smith, Terri Clark, Lorrie Morgan, Colt Ford, Mark Chesnutt, Little Jimmy Dickens, Ronnie McDowell, The Grascals, Mandy Barnett, and Dean Miller.

Columbia Nashville newcomer Joanna Smith played a steady gig at Tootsie's for 4 years before she was discovered there. Pictured backstage at the Tootsie's anniversary show (L-R): Mel Tillis, Smith and Randy Houser

••••••••••••••

Many of the same stars that celebrated Tootsie’s anniversary were honored Sunday afternoon with induction into the Music City Walk of Fame. They were recognized officially with the unveiling of commemorative sidewalk markers.

The eighth class of inductees to the Music City Walk of Fame, presented by founding sponsor Gibson Guitar, included Eddy Arnold, Little Jimmy Dickens, Bobby Hebb, Kris Kristofferson, Rascal Flatts and Mel Tillis.

Kris Kristofferson (L), and Little Jimmy Dickens (R)

Rascal Flatts

Songwriter Jeff Stevens Inks With Chrysalis

Hit songwriter and producer Jeff Stevens has signed with Chrysalis Music Nashville.

Stevens has had hits recorded by George Strait (“Carried Away,” “Carrying Your Love With Me,” “True”); Tim McGraw (“Back When”); Luke Bryan (“All My Friends Say,” “Someone Else Calling You Baby”); Alabama (“Reckless”) and many others.

As Luke Bryan’s producer, Stevens recently celebrated the Gold certification for Bryan’s Doin’ My Thing.

Seated: Jeff Stevens; Standing L-R: Chrysalis Music staffers Jersey Ross, Dale Bobo, Abbe Nameche, and Patricia Wittmer.

BMI Promotes Jodie Gleason

BMI has announced the promotion of Jodie Gleason to Vice President & Controller. Based in BMI’s Nashville office, Gleason will report directly to BMI Sr. VP Finance/Administration and Chief Financial Officer Bruce Esworthy. Gleason was formerly Assistant VP, Financial Accounting, Tax & Reporting.

“Jodie epitomizes the highest standards of professionalism,” said BMI President Del Bryant. “She is reliable, self-motivated, analytical and enthusiastic about her work and the company.”

“Jodie is an exceptional leader in accounting, tax, and other areas,” added Esworthy. “She has displayed a resolute commitment to precision and detail, has a long record of accomplishments, and has great people skills.”

Gleason joined BMI in 1995 as a Director, Licensing Accounting in the New York office and relocated to Nashville that same year. Since then, she has worked her way through the ranks to VP. She is a Certified Public Accountant and worked in public accounting for six years prior to BMI.

[Updated] McBride Signs With Republic Nashville

Pictured (L-R): President of Republic Nashville Jimmy Harnen, Martina McBride, and President and CEO of Big Machine Label Group Scott Borchetta

Martina McBride has joined the Republic Nashville roster. The signing was announced earlier today (11/8) at a press conference at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.

“We’ve been busy orchestrating Martina’s long-term business plan, and today’s signing is a major component,” explained her manager Clint Higham. “Working with Martina has been especially gratifying because she is not only amazingly talented but also has a disciplined work ethic, which results in great execution of whatever we envision. Musically, I’ve never seen her in a better place, and I can’t wait for us to get the opportunity to share her new music with everyone.”

She is expected to begin recording her new BMLG/Republic Nashville album in December with producer Byron Gallimore.

“John and I moved here in 1990 with a big dream,” added McBride. “We have been blessed to have a wonderful 18-year partnership with RCA Records and [former Sony Chairman] Joe Galante, which helped us sell records and see the world. Change is not always easy, but now we are so focused on the future, I’m fired up!”

Big Machine Label Group CEO Scott Borchetta noted that he attracted superstar Reba to The Valory Music Co. not long after its 2007 launch. He has followed suit with McBride joining the Republic Nashville imprint. Throughout the press conference, Borchetta echoed the phrase “dreams come true” while discussing the label group’s milestones, including the record-setting success of flagship artist Taylor Swift.

In September, MusicRow’s Crystal Ball revealed that the singer had left her longtime label Sony Music Nashville, and predicted that the Big Machine Label Group was a likely new home.

Today’s news rounds out an eventful year for McBride, who also switched managers. In May, after ending her relationship with longtime manager Bruce Allen, she signed with Morris Management’s Clint Higham, president of the powerhouse group which oversees Kenny Chesney’s career.

With more than 18 million albums sold, McBride is a four-time CMA Female Vocalist of the Year and GRAMMY winner. She has charted 23 Top 10 singles, including six No. 1s.

McBride adds superstar power to the Republic Nashville roster, which also includes The Band Perry, Eli Young Band, Jaron And The Long Road To Love, Sunny Sweeney and SHEL.